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Articol despre pei de foca si alte accesorii, la sectiunea Expert Advice

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Backcountry Ski Accessories

Y <http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1h/gallery.rei.com/graphics/LEARN_SHARE/general/Y.gif> ou've got the basic equipment for Nordic skiing. But do you have everything to ensure your skis are outfitted for the backcountry? There may be a couple of items listed here that you haven't thought of. Read on to learn about some useful accessories.

Climbing Skins
Climbing skins are strips of material that attach to the undersides of backcountry skis to provide traction for climbing or touring. They not only save energy by keeping you from backsliding on moderate terrain, they can also save time by allowing you to take a direct, uphill route instead of having to ski around on gentler ground. They're handy to have when you're carrying a heavy pack, too, as they can give you a little extra control. <http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1h/gallery.rei.com/graphics/LEARN_SHARE/snow/xskier2.jpg>

Originally sealskin, skins are now generally made of mohair, nylon or polyurethane. Their outer surfaces have hairs or scales that grab the snow, preventing backward movement of the skis. When the skis are moved forward, these surfaces flatten out, allowing some glide. Skins can cover the full length of the ski or just the middle section. They typically attach to ski bases with adhesive, buckles, straps or a combination of these.

Your choice of climbing skins depends on a couple of things. Where will you be skiing, and with how much gear? Winter camping or skiing from hut to hut with a big pack is much easier with full-length skins. On a day trip devoted to carving as many turns as you can, you may do just fine with shorter skins. How often you ski can also determine how much you want to invest in your skins.

Traditional skins range from about 48 to 80 millimeters wide to fit different styles of skis, from narrower touring skis to wider randonee and telemark skis. Buy them in a width as close to your skis' waist width as possible, so that they cover the ski base up to the metal edges.

Newer, shaped telemark and randonee skis have extra-wide tips and tails. When waist-width skins are placed on them, a significant portion of the ski base at the tips and tails is not covered, and climbing grip is reduced. Skins for shaped skis are available in widths up to 120 millimeters. A tool is usually included with the these skins allowing you to trim them to the exact hourglass shape of your skis for optimal climbing grip.

Nylon and Mohair Skins
Mohair and nylon skins are similar in that they are attached with both clips and adhesives. Mohair skins perform well in dry snow. They grip well going uphill and still glide on short downhill stretches. Nylon skins are better for wet snow, as the nylon resists water and thus icing up. Skin wax can be applied to the working surface of skins to prevent freezing and ice buildup.

Ascension nylon skins and Pomoca mohair skins are made in "Euro" style with rubber loops at the ski tips and riveted hooks to secure the tails. This combination, along with an adhesive backing, stretches the skins and helps to hold them firmly in place. Ascension standard-style skins attach with adhesive backings, welded stainless-steel loops at the tips and metal hooks at the tails.

Adhesive-backed skins require some care when handled. Avoid dropping them in the snow, and try to keep them clean so the adhesives remain sticky. To store adhesive skins, make sure they are completely dry, then fold them, sticky sides together. Put them in a plastic bag to prevent the glue from drying.

Polyurethane Skins
Voile Snake Skins, made of polyurethane, are different from other skins in that they do not use adhesives to attach to your skis. Instead, they fasten with end clips and straps that stretch the plastic material tight along the ski. The stretching causes thousands of tiny scales to pop up. These scales point toward the ski tails so that they snag on the snow when your skis slide back. When the skis are moved forward, they flatten out, allowing some glide.

Polyurethane has the advantage of being waterproof. These skins do not pick up moisture, nor do they ice up, as nylon or mohair skins can. Since they require no adhesive, they can be taken off and put on repeatedly. And you don't have to worry about keeping them clean. If you plan to go on day trips simply for the fun of making downhill runs, Snake Skins are an appropriate choice. Longer trips with extended uphill slogs are better done with nylon or mohair skins.

Short Skins
Short, lightweight "kicker" skins are great to have along when only a little traction is necessary. These short skins cover roughly the middle third of the ski, forming a "kick zone." Ascension makes nylon Kicker Stickers, which attach to the skis with nylon straps and buckles. Adhesive can also be used to make sure they stay in place, especially if you're making a day of repeated downhill runs with climbing back up in between. Short versions of Snake Skins are also available.

Binding Accessories
Ski Crampons
Snow can sometimes be too steep or icy for skins alone to provide traction. Ski crampons add traction and security for going up or crossing especially steep, icy slopes. Ski crampons usually attach to the binding hinges. When you step down, the crampon bites in, and when you lift your foot, it comes up off the snow.

Heel Lifts
Heel lifts are attached to telemark bindings to relieve muscle fatigue in your calves as you climb. Commonly made of wire, the lifts provide a platform for your heels, so that the Achilles tendons aren't stretched. They can save you energy on long ascents, especially if you're carrying a heavy load. Some inexpensive lifts attach to the boots and can be flipped out of the way when not in use.

Release Plates
With release plates, some telemark bindings can be made to release on impact, similar to alpine bindings. When attached to the bindings, release plates can add a margin of safety and lower the incidence of lower leg injuries. Three-pin or cable bindings can be mounted on the Voile system, which releases laterally, as during twisting falls. Rottefella also offers a release plate for 3-pin bindings.

Shims
Boots and bindings are not always perfectly compatible. Boot soles can have too much curve or "rocker" to be seated firmly in the bindings, or the boots may interfere with your ability to get good edge contact with your skis. Plastic or rubber pieces, called shims, are attached to the bindings to compensate for the shape of your boots. They control boot "wobble" or raise your boots up so that they stay out of the snow when you put your skis on edge.

Telemark Knee Pads
As a telemark skier, you have the unique experience of "kneeling" in the snow as you carve turns down a slope. And with this experience, you sometimes have the misfortune of finding rocks, stumps or avalanche debris-with your knees! Knee pads to the rescue. Carry them along on early- and late-season trips when the snow just may not be deep enough to bury obstacles completely.



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